Powered Hang Gliders.

Powered Hang Gliders

The BHPA Flying and safety Committee (FSC) has issued the following advice concerning the selection of Powered hang glider take-off sites.

With typical powered hang glider FLPAs the distance required to clear an obstacle after take off can vary enormously depending upon air conditions, the wing used, wing loading, pilot technique, etc. In any case, pilots should operate on the basis that things will not go perfectly! For these reasons an absolute minimum unobstructed area of 200 metres in the direction of take off is advised. An additional 12 meters should be added for every meter height of obstacle/hedge that might have to be cleared (this allows for a safe climb out performance). Ensure that there are no obstructions for a significant distance either side of the intended take-off/climb out path (unintended course deviations can occur!).

Ideally your take-off/climb out plan will allow for a safe turn at a safe height long before any significant obstacles are encountered: a gentle manoeuvre to avoid a distant obstacle is infinitely preferable to flying straight over it with little margin for eventualities.

You should be aware that the following factors will require additional take-off/climb out distances and may make take-off and/or climb out impossible:

Higher than normal load

Turns during climb-out (e.g. to avoid obstacles)

Airfield significantly above mean sea level

high ambient air temperature

High humidity levels

Unfavorable surfaces (e.g. long grass)

Water on the wing

Topographic or meteorological features likely to result in sinking air

These factors are cumulative

Tailwind and or uphill take-offs are inherently dangerous and should not be attempted.

Bear in mind that immediately after take-off is the highly stressed 2 strokes favourite time to fail or lose power, so ensure that the area chosen allows a safe forced landing at any stage after take-off.